Iceland’s Ring Road is one of the best ways to see the country. The 828-mile journey travels along the country’s perimeter via Route 1, giving travelers an in-depth look into its diverse beauty. From flat farmlands to rugged mountains and stunning waterfalls, there’s never-ending natural wonder at every turn. With so much to see, planning a trip can easily become overwhelming, but we've but together an itinerary taking you to the top highlights of Iceland’s Ring Road. Read on!

Reykjavík

Both the capital and Iceland’s largest city, Reykjavík is a worthwhile stop for anyone who’s never been before. Most trips begin and end around the area, so if time allows, take a day prior to or after your Ring Road expedition to explore the city. There’s plenty of charming sights to see, from historic landmarks to unique architecture. While there, head to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur for a mouthwatering hot dog—one of Iceland’s beloved dishes! And for those interested in the famous Blue Lagoon, it’s a mere 40-minute drive from the city.

Golden Circle

Although it’s a bit of a detour from the standard Ring Road route, the Golden Circle is definitely worth it. Here you’ll find the bubbling hot springs of the Geysir geothermal area, the breathtaking Gullfoss Waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park. The sprawling park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of great geological, historical, and cultural importance, and the buildings scattered throughout the land signify this. From 930 to 1798, an open-air assembly met every year for two weeks to create laws and settle disagreements.

Seljalandsfoss

This will be the first of many waterfalls, but you'll never tire of them! The mesmerizing fall is one of the country’s most famous, cascading off a steep cliffside. Look out for rainbows on sunny days—you may be able to see the vibrant colors sparkling against the rushing water.

Skógafoss

Yet another otherworldly waterfall, Skógafoss can be found at the cliffs of the former coastline. It’s one of the country’s largest waterfalls, with a 200ft drop. Legend has it the first Viking settler buried treasure in the cave behind the fall. Years later locals found the chest only for it to be swept away in the water moments later, leaving them with just a handle (now housed in a museum).

Sólheimasandur Plane Crash

This haunting site has become an iconic backdrop for traveler’s photographs. In 1973, a US Naval plane crashed on the black sand of Sólheimasandur Beach. Luckily all crew members survived, but the weather-beaten wreckage remains in the same spot today. Driving is no longer allowed on the beach, so you’ll need to make a 2.5-mile trek (one-way). But it’s definitely worth it to see the plane’s shell sitting frozen in time at the location where it crashed over 40 years ago.

Vík

Stop at this charming, seaside town along your journey. Stroll down one of the many surrounding black sand beaches, such as Reynisfjara, and look for puffins roaming around. The town rests at the foot of Katla Volcano and the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier that lies atop it. While in Vík, be sure to visit one of its renowned wool shops to pick up some souvenirs!

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a truly unforgettable sight. Vibrant blue water winds between steep cliffs covered in lush greenery. This storybook location is the perfect place to stretch your legs and snap some photos.

Skaftafell/Vatnajökull National Park

Skaftafell is part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park. The vast stretch of land is known for its diverse landscape and wildlife, as well as numerous famous sites. Svartifoss, or Black Falls, paints a unique picture, with a modest stream cascading down black basalt columns. Another must-see site is Vatnajökull Glacier. Bright blue ice protrudes from pure-white snow, creating a striking scene. It’s the largest ice cap in all of Iceland, so there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring views.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Crowd favorite Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon borders Vatnajökull National Park. Glistening icebergs streaked with electric blue and charcoal black float in icy waters, providing a vista like no other. The size of the lagoon continues to increase as warming temperatures have caused glaciers to melt and break off at a higher rate.

Dettifoss

Just standing in the presence of Europe’s most powerful waterfall is enough to give you a rush of adrenaline. Creamy, grey waters rush with a force that’ll take your breath away. The fall is located in the northeast of Vatnajökull National Park and is near Lake Mývatn.

Mývatn

The Mývatn area is a wonderland of magnificent views. With waterfalls, hot springs, craters, caves, and Lake Mývatnitself, it’s easy to get lost in the all-encompassing beauty. The area is known for its rich wildlife and is perfect for bird-watchers looking to spot various waterbirds.

Goðafoss

As one of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls, you won’t want to miss Goðafoss. Set against rolling hills, this crescent-shaped waterfall rushes down moss-covered cliffs into turquoise waters. Although the setting changes with the seasons, the scenery is incredible no matter the month.

Akureyri

Welcome to Iceland’s second largest city—although with a population of 18,000, that’s not saying too much! However, despite its relatively small size, this enchanting town has no shortage of culture. Check out one of its many landmarks, botanical gardens, or museums, from history to contemporary art.

Barnafoss/Hraunfossar

These two waterfalls located close to Reykjavík are the perfect way to end your Ring Road adventure. Barnafoss, meaning “Children’s Waterfall,” evokes an eerie feeling that’s reinforced by the old tale of two children who disappeared into the waterfall. Their mother cursed Barnafoss, declaring no one would ever cross it alive again. The misty water looks like thick smoke, billowing between the rocks. Hraunfossar means “Lava Falls,” and you’ll see countless streams of water flowing over a lava field and into milky, turquoise waters below.

Its hard to imagine travel, especially solo travel, before our beloved Instagram- so we put together this handy guide for your next trip to Iceland. Make all of your followers jealous with these unreal landscapes and spectacular views. I mean, if it’s not on the ‘gram did it even happen?

Curious about this Nordic island nation? Iceland is widely known as “The Land of Fire and Ice.” This country is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe, and some of the world's most active volcanoes. Volcanoes and glaciers and no forest, oh my! This destination offers more eco-friendly activities. Iceland burns very few fossil fuels and instead uses geothermal heating! Here are 10 reasons why Iceland should be your next travel destination!

Contrary to its name, Iceland is home to not only some of the world’s largest glaciers, but also some of the most active volcanoes! The island has slowly heated up over time. 8000 years ago, Iceland was completely buried under ice. This isn’t the only contrast you’ll find throughout Iceland. Depending on your season of travel, Iceland offers long summer days with up to 24 hours of daylight and short winter days to the minimum of just a few hours of sun!

If you follow any avid travelers on Instagram, chances are that you have seen a LOT of photos of Iceland. A Nordic island nation, Iceland is defined by dramatic landscapes, black beaches, active volcanos, boiling geysers, and crystal blue hot springs, all of which make this country a true paradise for photographers and adventurers, alike. (Oh, and did I mention the amazing flight deals?!) So the only question you really need to ask yourself is, “When do I go?!?”

Whatever the season, Iceland is an adventure that can only be truly appreciated outdoors, so enjoy a front row seat at nature’s wonders but be prepared to spend the majority of your trip outside. And dress accordingly! Here’s an essential guide of what to pack for Iceland, no matter what time of year you choose to go.

In the most recent years, Iceland has become one of the most popular travel destinations on the map. Offering vast, out-of-this-world landscapes, rich Scandinavian culture, and affordable travel costs, it’s easy to figure out why Iceland has landed a spot at the top of everyone’s bucket list! So before booking your own getaway to the land of fire and ice, look into the benefits of choosing a fully developed and specially curated trip over the stress of planning and budgeting an experience of your own!

Earlier this year, I won a trip to Reykjavik, Iceland through the Acanela sweepstakes. I’ll first say, I’ve never entered into a sweepstakes before, let alone any contests. I’ve always been skeptical, thinking that no one actually ever won any trips. But two weeks later, I received an email confirming the trip. And 6 months after that, my boyfriend, Peter, and I finally set off in late October for a long weekend in Iceland.

There’s something incredibly special about traveling solo. For many, the idea of visiting a new country all alone is terrifying, but solo travel can be a priceless period of self-reflection, education, and growth. Facing your fears and putting yourself out there is so worth it, and it’s the best way to truly immerse yourself in a new culture. There’s nothing quite as rewarding as traveling solo—it’s an unforgettable adventure that everyone should experience at least once. Keep reading to learn the best countries for solo travel!

Visiting Iceland in August offers incredible wildlife-viewing opportunities (the Puffins migration & whale watching are at their peak), a myriad of festivals & cultural events, and absolutely beautiful weather. August marks the end of the summer, and therefore is one of the most temperate months to travel to Iceland with pleasant temperatures, little rainfall, and opportunities to experience both the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights.

One of the best parts of traveling is trying new foods that are unique to the area you are visiting. Finding something delicious that you can’t get at home can be an adventure on its own. Here are ten sweet treats worth trying in different parts of the world.

Iceland’s Ring Road is one of the best ways to see the country. The 828-mile journey travels along the country’s perimeter via Route 1, giving travelers an in-depth look into its diverse beauty. From flat farmlands to rugged mountains and stunning waterfalls, there’s never-ending natural wonder at every turn. With so much to see, planning a trip can easily become overwhelming, but we've but together an itinerary taking you to the top highlights of Iceland’s Ring Road. Read on!

While Spring Break carries with it the connotation of warm destinations as the season transitions from Winter to Spring, there are plenty of destinations that can provide an equally good Spring Break experience. We’ve listed below our top 10 Spring Break Destinations for 2018!

In 1972, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization—UNESCO for short—created a program to protect culturally and historically significant sites across the globe. Today there are over 1,000 World Heritage Sites, from ancient ruins to natural wonders, and the possibilities for your next adventure are endless. Keep reading for the top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in 2018!

Iceland has become one of the world’s top travel destinations, and with good reason. It’s a land of never-ending wonder. From milky, turquoise lagoons to bubbling geysers and rushing waterfalls to sprawling, grassy hills, the natural beauty is unmatched. If you’re planning a trip to this breathtaking country, or even a journey to Northern Scandinavia, packing can be overwhelming. Here’s a packing list of all the essentials you won’t want to forget on your next trip to Iceland!